Pyrazol-4-yl carboxamide derivatives as microbiocides

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R 1  is C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl or C 1 -C 4 alkoxy; R 2  is C 1 -C 4 alkyl; R 3  is hydrogen or halogen; R 4  is hydrogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl or C 1 -C 4 halogenalkyl; R 5  is hydrogen, halogen or C 1 -C 4 alkyl; R 6  is hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl or C 3 -C 6 alkynyl; R 7  is hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 3 -C 6 alkynyl, C 3 -C 6 cycloalkyl-C 3 -C 6 alkynyl, C 1 -C 6 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 6 haloalkoxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy; R 5  is hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 3 -C 6 alkynyl, amino, C 1 -C 6 alkylcarbonylamino, C 1 -C 6 alkoxycarbonylamino or C 3 -C 6 cycloalkylcarbonylamino; R 9  is hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 3 -C 6 alkynyl, C 3 -C 6 cycloalkyl-C 3 -C 6 alkynyl, halophenoxy, halophenyl, C 1 -C 6 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 6 haloalkoxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, or C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy; R 10  is hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 6 alkoxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl or C 3 -C 6 alkynyl; X is CH 2 , O or S; n is 0, 1 or 2; and agronomically acceptable salts/isomers/structural isomers/stereoisomers/diastereoisomers/enantiomers/tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, are suitable for use as microbiocides.

This application is a 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2012/050003 filed Jan. 2, 2012, which claims priority to EP 11150210.0 filed Jan. 5, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to novel microbiocidally active, in particular fungicidally active, carboxamides. It further relates to intermediates used in the preparation of these compounds, to compositions which comprise these compounds and to their use in agriculture or horticulture for controlling or preventing infestation of plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungi.

Fungicidally active N-substituted-N-bicyclic carboxamides are described, for example, in WO 2009/016218 and WO 2010/130767. It has been found that novel carboxamides with a specific substitution pattern have microbiocidal activity.

The present invention accordingly relates to N-alkoxycarboxamides of formula I

wherein R₁ is C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄haloalkyl or C₁-C₄alkoxy; R₂ is C₁-C₄alkyl; R₃ is hydrogen or halogen; R₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄alkyl or C₁-C₄halogenalkyl; R₅ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁-C₄alkyl; R₆ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl; R₇ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₃-C₆alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl-C₃-C₆alkynyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkoxy, C₂-C₆haloalkenyl, or C₂-C₆haloalkenyloxy; R₈ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₃-C₆alkynyl, amino, C₁-C₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆alkoxycarbonylamino or C₃-C₆cycloalkylcarbonylamino; R₉ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₃-C₆alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl-C₃-C₆alkynyl, halophenoxy, halophenyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkoxy, C₂-C₆haloalkenyl, or C₂-C₆haloalkenyloxy; R₁₀ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl; X is CH₂, O or S; n is 0, 1 or 2; and agronomically acceptable salts/isomers/structural isomers/stereoisomers/diastereoisomers/enantiomers/tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds.

The alkyl groups occurring in the definitions of the substituents can be straight-chain or branched and are, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl or tert-butyl. Alkoxy, alkenyl and alkynyl radicals are derived from the alkyl radicals mentioned. The alkenyl and alkynyl groups can be mono- or di-unsaturated. The cycloalkyl groups occurring in the definitions of the substituents are, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl. Halogen is generally fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine, preferably fluorine, bromine or chlorine. This also applies, correspondingly, to halogen in combination with other meanings, such as halogenalkyl or halogenalkoxy. Haloalkyl groups preferably have a chain length of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Halonalkyl is, for example, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 1,1-difluoro-2,2,2-trichloroethyl, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoroethyl and 2,2,2-trichloroethyl; preferably trichloromethyl, difluorochloromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl and dichlorofluoromethyl. Alkoxy is, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, i-propoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy and tert-butoxy; preferably methoxy and ethoxy. Halogenalkoxy is, for example, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy and 2,2,2-trichloroethoxy; preferably difluoromethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy and trifluoromethoxy. C₁-C₆alkylcarbonylamino is, for example methylcarbonylamino (—NHC(O)CH₃), C₁-C₆alkoxycarbonylamino is for example tert.butoxycarbonylamino (—NHC(O)O-tert.butyl) and C₃-C₆cycloalkylcarbonylamino is for example cyclopropylcarbonylamino (—NHC(O)-c-propyl).

In preferred compounds of formula I, independently from each other,

a) R₁ is difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl or methyl,

b) R₂ is methyl;

c) R₃ is hydrogen;

d) R₄ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

e) R₅ is hydrogen, fluoro or methyl;

f) R₆ is hydrogen;

g) n is 1 or 2;

h) X is CH₂;

i) R₇, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ are hydrogen or chloro;

j) R₉ is chloro, bromo or C₁-C₄alkyl.

Especially preferred compounds of formula I are those, wherein

R₁ is difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl;

R₂ is methyl;

R₃ is hydrogen;

R₄ is methyl;

R₆ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl; especially hydrogen; and

R₇, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ are, independently from each other, hydrogen or halogen, preferably hydrogen or chloro.

Further compounds of formula I are preferred, wherein

R₆ is hydrogen.

In an especially preferred group of compounds of formula I,

R₁ is difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl or methyl, especially difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl;

R₂ is methyl;

R₃ is hydrogen;

R₄ is methyl;

R₅ is hydrogen fluoro or methyl; preferably hydrogen or fluoro;

R₆ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl;

n is 2;

X is CH₂; and

R₇, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ are, independently from each other, hydrogen or halogen, preferably hydrogen or chloro. In said especially preferred group of compounds of formula I, R₆ is preferably hydrogen.

In another preferred group of compounds of formula I,

R₁ is C₁-C₄haloalkyl;

R₂ is C₁-C₄alkyl;

R₃ is hydrogen;

R₄ is C₁-C₄alkyl;

R₅ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl;

R₆ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl;

R₇ is hydrogen;

R₈ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆alkoxycarbonylamino or C₃-C₆cycloalkylcarbonylamino;

R₉ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁-C₆alkoxy;

R₁₀ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁-C₆alkoxy;

X is CH₂, O or S; and

n is 1 or 2.

Compounds of formula I may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula II

wherein R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, n and X are as defined under formula I; with a compound of formula III

in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined under formula I, and R* is halogen, hydroxy or C₁₋₆ alkoxy, preferably chloro. Compounds of formula III are known and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,347 and WO 2008/148570 or can be prepared by methods known in the art. For example, the compound of formula IIIa

wherein R₉ is C₁-C₆alkyl, can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula IIIb

wherein R₉ is as defined for formula IIIa and R₁₀ is C₁-C₆alkyl, with methylhydrazine in the presence of water, a hydroxide base and an organic solvent selected from an aromatic hydrocarbon and a halogen-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon.

The reactions for the preparation of compounds of formula I are advantageously carried out in aprotic inert organic solvents. Such solvents are hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene or cyclohexane, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane or chlorobenzene, ethers such as diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or dioxane, nitriles such as acetonitrile or propionitrile, amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, diethylformamide or N-methylpyrrolidinone. The reaction temperatures are advantageously between −20° C. and +120° C. In general, the reactions are slightly exothermic and, as a rule, they can be carried out at ambient temperature. To shorten the reaction time, or else to start the reaction, the mixture may be heated briefly to the boiling point of the reaction mixture. The reaction times can also be shortened by adding a few drops of base as reaction catalyst. Suitable bases are, in particular, tertiary amines such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, quinuclidine, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene or 1,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. However, inorganic bases such as hydrides, e.g. sodium hydride or calcium hydride, hydroxides, e.g. sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, carbonates such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate, or hydrogen carbonates such as potassium hydrogen carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate may also be used as bases. The bases can be used as such or else with catalytic amounts of a phase-transfer catalyst, for example a crown ether, in particular 18-crown-6, or a tetraalkylammonium salt.

When R* is hydroxy, a coupling agent, such as benzotriazol-1-yloxytris(dimethylamino) phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate, bis-(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)-phosphinic acid chloride (BOP-Cl), N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) or 1,1′-carbonyl-diimidazole (CDI), may be used.

The intermediates of formula II

wherein R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, n and X are as defined under formula I, preferably wherein R₄ is C₁-C₄alkyl; are novel and were developed specifically for the preparation of the compounds of the formula I. Accordingly, these intermediates of the formula II also form a part of the subject-matter of the present invention.

The preferred substituent definitions for the compounds of formula I are also valid for the compound of formula II. Thus, for example, preferred compounds of formula II are those, wherein, independently from each other,

a) R₄ is methyl;

b) R₅ is hydrogen, fluoro or methyl;

c) R₆ is hydrogen;

d) n is 1 or 2;

e) X is CH₂;

f) R₇, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ are hydrogen, chloro, bromo or C₁-C₄alkyl.

Intermediates of Formula IIA

wherein R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and n are as defined under formula I, may be prepared as described in reaction scheme 1.

O-alkoxy oxime derivatives of formula VIa, in which R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀ and n are as defined under formula IIA, may be prepared by condensation of ketone derivatives of formula IVa with O-alkyl hydroxylamine derivatives of formula V or a salt thereof. Suitable solvents carrying out the oximation step are hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene or cyclohexane, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, tetrachloromethane or chlorobenzene, ethers such as diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or dioxane, nitriles such as acetonitrile or propionitrile, amides such as N,N-dimethylformamide, diethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone water or mixtures. The reaction temperatures are advantageously between −20° C. and +120° C. In general, the reactions can be carried out at ambient temperature. Suitable bases are, in particular pyridine, tertiary amines such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, quinuclidine, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene or 1,5-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. However, inorganic bases such as hydrides, e.g. sodium hydride or calcium hydride, hydroxides, e.g. sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, carbonates such as sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate, or hydrogen carbonates such as potassium hydrogen carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate may also be used as bases.

Alternatively O-alkoxy oxime derivatives of formula VIa may also be prepared by alkylation of oxime derivatives of formula VIa′ with a compound R₄—Y, in which R₄ is as defined under formula IIA and Y represents a leaving group, such as halogen, mesylate or tosylate, in the presence of a base.

O-Alkylhydroxylamines of formula IIA may be prepared by the reduction of O-alkoxy oxime derivatives of formula VI. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this reduction can be carried out with a number of different reducing agents.

Intermediates of the Formula IVA

wherein R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀ are as defined under formula I, are known and/or commercially available. Intermediates of the Formula IVB

wherein R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀ are as defined under formula I, are known or may be prepared in analogy to known procedures.

The compounds I and, where appropriate, the tautomers thereof, can, if appropriate, also be obtained in the form of hydrates and/or include other solvents, for example those which may have been used for the crystallization of compounds which are present in solid form.

It has now been found that the compounds of formula I according to the invention have, for practical purposes, a very advantageous spectrum of activities for protecting useful plants against diseases that are caused by phytopathogenic microorganisams, such as fungi, bacteria or viruses.

The invention therefore also relates to a method of controlling or preventing infestation of useful plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, wherein a compound of formula I is applied as active ingredient to the plants, to parts thereof or the locus thereof. The compounds of formula I according to the invention are distinguished by excellent activity at low rates of application, by being well tolerated by plants and by being environmentally safe. They have very useful curative, preventive and systemic properties and are used for protecting numerous useful plants. The compounds of formula I can be used to inhibit or destroy the diseases that occur on plants or parts of plants (fruit, blossoms, leaves, stems, tubers, roots) of different crops of useful plants, while at the same time protecting also those parts of the plants that grow later e.g. from phytopathogenic microorganisms.

It is also possible to use compounds of formula I as dressing agents for the treatment of plant propagation material, in particular of seeds (fruit, tubers, grains) and plant cuttings (e.g. rice), for the protection against fungal infections as well as against phytopathogenic fungi occurring in the soil.

Furthermore the compounds of formula I according to the invention may be used for controlling fungi in related areas, for example in the protection of technical materials, including wood and wood related technical products, in food storage or in hygiene management.

The compounds of formula I are, for example, effective against the phytopathogenic fungi of the following classes: Fungi imperfecti (e.g. Botrytis, Pyricularia, Helminthosporium, Fusarium, Septoria, Cercospora and Alternaria) and Basidiomycetes (e.g. Rhizoctonia, Hemileia, Puccinia). Additionally, they are also effective against the Ascomycetes classes (e.g. Venturia and Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Monilinia, Uncinula) and of the Oomycetes classes (e.g. Phytophthora, Pythium, Plasmopara). Outstanding activity has been observed against powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp.). Furthermore, the novel compounds of formula I are effective against phytopathogenic bacteria and viruses (e.g. against Xanthomonas spp, Pseudomonas spp, Erwinia amylovora as well as against the tobacco mosaic virus). Good activity has been observed against Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi).

Within the scope of the invention, useful plants to be protected typically comprise the following species of plants: cereal (wheat, barley, rye, oat, rice, maize, sorghum and related species); beet (sugar beet and fodder beet); pomes, drupes and soft fruit (apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries); leguminous plants (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans); oil plants (rape, mustard, poppy, olives, sunflowers, coconut, castor oil plants, cocoa beans, groundnuts); cucumber plants (pumpkins, cucumbers, melons); fibre plants (cotton, flax, hemp, jute); citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, grapefruit, mandarins); vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbages, carrots, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, paprika); lauraceae (avocado, cinnamomum, camphor) or plants such as tobacco, nuts, coffee, eggplants, sugar cane, tea, pepper, vines, hops, bananas and natural rubber plants, as well as ornamentals.

The term “useful plants” is to be understood as including also useful plants that have been rendered tolerant to herbicides like bromoxynil or classes of herbicides (such as, for example, HPPD inhibitors, ALS inhibitors, for example primisulfuron, prosulfuron and trifloxysulfuron, EPSPS (5-enol-pyrovyl-shikimate-3-phosphate-synthase) inhibitors, GS (glutamine synthetase) inhibitors or PPO (protoporphyrinogen-oxidase) inhibitors) as a result of conventional methods of breeding or genetic engineering. An example of a crop that has been rendered tolerant to imidazolinones, e.g. imazamox, by conventional methods of breeding (mutagenesis) is Clearfield® summer rape (Canola). Examples of crops that have been rendered tolerant to herbicides or classes of herbicides by genetic engineering methods include glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant maize varieties commercially available under the trade names RoundupReady®, Herculex I® and LibertyLink®.

The term “useful plants” is to be understood as including also useful plants which have been so transformed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques that they are capable of synthesising one or more selectively acting toxins, such as are known, for example, from toxin-producing bacteria, especially those of the genus Bacillus.

Examples of such plants are: YieldGard® (maize variety that expresses a CryIA(b) toxin); YieldGard Rootworm® (maize variety that expresses a CryIIIB(b1) toxin); YieldGard Plus® (maize variety that expresses a CryIA(b) and a CryIIIB(b1) toxin); Starlink® (maize variety that expresses a Cry9(c) toxin); Herculex I® (maize variety that expresses a CryIF(a2) toxin and the enzyme phosphinothricine N-acetyltransferase (PAT) to achieve tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate ammonium); NuCOTN 33B® (cotton variety that expresses a CryIA(c) toxin); Bollgard I® (cotton variety that expresses a CryIA(c) toxin); Bollgard II® (cotton variety that expresses a CryIA(c) and a CryIIA(b) toxin); VIPCOT® (cotton variety that expresses a VIP toxin); NewLeaf® (potato variety that expresses a CryIIIA toxin); NatureGard® Agrisure® GT Advantage (GA21 glyphosate-tolerant trait), Agrisure® CB Advantage (Bt11 corn borer (CB) trait), Agrisure® RW (corn rootworm trait) and Protecta®.

The term “useful plants” is to be understood as including also useful plants which have been so transformed by the use of recombinant DNA techniques that they are capable of synthesising antipathogenic substances having a selective action, such as, for example, the so-called “pathogenesis-related proteins” (PRPs, see e.g. EP-A-0 392 225). Examples of such antipathogenic substances and transgenic plants capable of synthesising such antipathogenic substances are known, for example, from EP-A-0 392 225, WO 95/33818, and EP-A-0 353 191. The methods of producing such transgenic plants are generally known to the person skilled in the art and are described, for example, in the publications mentioned above.

The term “locus” of a useful plant as used herein is intended to embrace the place on which the useful plants are growing, where the plant propagation materials of the useful plants are sown or where the plant propagation materials of the useful plants will be placed into the soil. An example for such a locus is a field, on which crop plants are growing.

The term “plant propagation material” is understood to denote generative parts of the plant, such as seeds, which can be used for the multiplication of the latter, and vegetative material, such as cuttings or tubers, for example potatoes. There may be mentioned for example seeds (in the strict sense), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants. Germinated plants and young plants which are to be transplanted after germination or after emergence from the soil, may also be mentioned. These young plants may be protected before transplantation by a total or partial treatment by immersion. Preferably “plant propagation material” is understood to denote seeds.

The compounds of formula I can be used in unmodified form or, preferably, together with carriers and adjuvants conventionally employed in the art of formulation.

Therefore the invention also relates to compositions for controlling and protecting against phytopathogenic microorganisms, comprising a compound of formula I and an inert carrier, and to a method of controlling or preventing infestation of useful plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, wherein a composition, comprising a compound of formula I as acitve ingredient and an inert carrier, is applied to the plants, to parts thereof or the locus thereof.

To this end compounds of formula I and inert carriers are conveniently formulated in known manner to emulsifiable concentrates, coatable pastes, directly sprayable or dilutable solutions, dilute emulsions, wettable powders, soluble powders, dusts, granulates, and also encapsulations e.g. in polymeric substances. As with the type of the compositions, the methods of application, such as spraying, atomising, dusting, scattering, coating or pouring, are chosen in accordance with the intended objectives and the prevailing circumstances. The compositions may also contain further adjuvants such as stabilizers, antifoams, viscosity regulators, binders or tackifiers as well as fertilizers, micronutrient donors or other formulations for obtaining special effects.

Suitable carriers and adjuvants (auxiliaries) can be solid or liquid and are substances useful in formulation technology, e.g. natural or regenerated mineral substances, solvents, dispersants, wetting agents, tackifiers, thickeners, binders or fertilizers. Such carriers are for example described in WO 97/33890.

The compounds of formula I or compositions, comprising a compound of formula I as active ingredient and an inert carrier, can be applied to the locus of the plant or plant to be treated, simultaneously or in succession with further compounds. These further compounds can be e.g. fertilizers or micronutrient donors or other preparations which influence the growth of plants. They can also be selective herbicides as well as insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, molluscicides or mixtures of several of these preparations, if desired together with further carriers, surfactants or application promoting adjuvants customarily employed in the art of formulation.

A preferred method of applying a compound of formula I, or a composition, comprising a compound of formula I as active ingredient and an inert carrier, is foliar application. The frequency of application and the rate of application will depend on the risk of infestation by the corresponding pathogen. However, the compounds of formula I can also penetrate the plant through the roots via the soil (systemic action) by drenching the locus of the plant with a liquid formulation, or by applying the compounds in solid form to the soil, e.g. in granular form (soil application). In crops of water rice such granulates can be applied to the flooded rice field. The compounds of formula I may also be applied to seeds (coating) by impregnating the seeds or tubers either with a liquid formulation of the fungicide or coating them with a solid formulation.

A formulation, i.e. a composition comprising the compound of formula I and, if desired, a solid or liquid adjuvant, is prepared in a known manner, typically by intimately mixing and/or grinding the compound with extenders, for example solvents, solid carriers and, optionally, surface-active compounds (surfactants).

The agrochemical formulations will usually contain from 0.1 to 99% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 95% by weight, of the compound of formula I, 99.9 to 1% by weight, preferably 99.8 to 5% by weight, of a solid or liquid adjuvant, and from 0 to 25% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 25% by weight, of a surfactant.

Whereas it is preferred to formulate commercial products as concentrates, the end user will normally use dilute formulations.

Advantageous rates of application are normally from 5 g to 2 kg of active ingredient (a.i.) per hectare (ha), preferably from 10 g to 1 kg a.i./ha, most preferably from 20 g to 600 g a.i./ha. When used as seed drenching agent, convenient rates of application are from 10 mg to 1 g of active substance per kg of seeds. The rate of application for the desired action can be determined by experiments. It depends for example on the type of action, the developmental stage of the useful plant, and on the application (location, timing, application method) and can, owing to these parameters, vary within wide limits.

The compounds of formula (I), or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, described above may also have an advantageous spectrum of activity for the treatment and/or prevention of microbial infection in an animal. “Animal” can be any animal, for example, insect, mammal, reptile, fish, amphibian, preferably mammal, most preferably human. “Treatment” means the use on an animal which has microbial infection in order to reduce or slow or stop the increase or spread of the infection, or to reduce the infection or to cure the infection. “Prevention” means the use on an animal which has no apparent signs of microbial infection in order to prevent any future infection, or to reduce or slow the increase or spread of any future infection. According to the present invention there is provided the use of a compound of formula (I) in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment and/or prevention of microbial infection in an animal. There is also provided the use of a compound of formula (I) as a pharmaceutical agent. There is also provided the use of a compound of formula (I) as an antimicrobial agent in the treatment of an animal. According to the present invention there is also provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising as an active ingredient a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. This composition can be used for the treatment and/or prevention of antimicrobial infection in an animal. This pharmaceutical composition can be in a form suitable for oral administration, such as tablet, lozenges, hard capsules, aqueous suspensions, oily suspensions, emulsions dispersible powders, dispersible granules, syrups and elixirs. Alternatively this pharmaceutical composition can be in a form suitable for topical application, such as a spray, a cream or lotion. Alternatively this pharmaceutical composition can be in a form suitable for parenteral administration, for example injection. Alternatively this pharmaceutical composition can be in inhalable form, such as an aerosol spray. The compounds of formula (I) may be effective against various microbial species able to cause a microbial infection in an animal. Examples of such microbial species are those causing Aspergillosis such as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terrus, A. nidulans and A. niger, those causing Blastomycosis such as Blastomyces dermatitidis; those causing Candidiasis such as Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei and C. lusitaniae; those causing Coccidioidomycosis such as Coccidioides immitis; those causing Cryptococcosis such as Cryptococcus neoformans; those causing Histoplasmosis such as Histoplasma capsulatum and those causing Zygomycosis such as Absidia corymbifera, Rhizomucor pusillus and Rhizopus arrhizus. Further examples are Fusarium Spp such as Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani and Scedosporium Spp such as Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium prolificans. Still further examples are Microsporum Spp, Trichophyton Spp, Epidermophyton Spp, Mucor Spp, Sporothorix Spp, Phialophora Spp, Cladosporium Spp, Petriellidium spp, Paracoccidioides Spp and Histoplasma Spp.

The following non-limiting Examples illustrate the above-described invention in greater detail without limiting it.

PREPARATORY EXAMPLES General Procedure for High Speed Synthesis Example P0 Preparation of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid methoxy-amide Derivatives of Formula Ib

Step I:

To a stirred solution of a ketone of formula IV (0.06 mmol), in acetic acid (500 μl) was added methoxyamine (4.7 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 48 h under nitrogen to obtain the O-methyl-oxime of formula VI.

Step II:

To the O-methyl-oxime from step I, a suspension of sodium cyanoborohydride (11.3 mg) in DCE (200 μl) was added portion wise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 18 h under nitrogen. Most of acetic acid was removed under a stream of nitrogen to afford O-methyl-N-hydroxylamine of formula II.

Step III:

To O-methyl-N-hydroxylamine, prepared as described in step II, NaOH 0.75 molar (300 μl) and NaOH 2.0 molar (500 μl) were added. Followed by the addition of the addition of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl chloride (11.7 mg) dissolved in dichloromethane (300 μl). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours under nitrogen atmosphere. The solvent was removed under a stream of nitrogen, followed by addition of acetic acid (200 μl), water (100 μl), DMA (200 μl) and acetonitrile (200 μl). The crude 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid methoxyamides of formula I were directly submitted for LC Chromatography.

Purification:

The following purification method was used:

LC1 oder Z (Filename Z) Standard_Long gradient

Method B

MS ZMD Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: positive ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 30.00, extractor (V) 3.00, source temperature (° C.) 150, desolvation temperature (° C.) 320, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 50, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 400, mass range: 150 to 800 Da. LC Alliance 2795 LC HPLC from Waters: quaternary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Waters Atlantis dc18; length: 20 mm; internal diameter: 3 mm; particle size: 3 μm, temperature (° C.) 40, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.1% of formic acid in water and B: 0.1% of formic acid in acetonitrile. Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 80  20 1.7 5.0  0.0 100 1.7 5.6  0.0 100 1.7 6.0 80  20 1.7

Example P1 Preparation of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (7-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-methoxy-amide (Compound 1.003)

To a stirred solution of N-(7-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine (0.60 g; 2.80 mmol), prepared as described in example P1b and triethylamine (0.80 ml; 5.70 mmol) in dichloromethane (10 ml) under nitrogen at 15° C. was added dropwise 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl chloride (0.545 g; 2.80 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at 22° C. for 14 h under nitrogen. The mixture was poured in water and extracted three times with dichloromethane. Combined organics were dried over sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude was subject to flash chromatography (eluant: c-hexane/ethyl acetate 60:40) to afford 0.95 g (91% of theory) of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (7-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-methoxy-amide as a yellow oil, that crystallized.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d): ppm 1.78-1.86 (m, 1H), 2.05-2.15 (m, 2H), 2.17-2.23 (m, 1H), 2.71-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.81-2.89 (m, 1H), 3.47 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 5.76-5.79 (m, 1H), 7.05-7.07 (d, 1H), 7.13-7.17 (dd, 1H), 7.26 (t, J=55.0 Hz, 1H), 7.29-7.30 (dd, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H).

MS (ZMD) 370/372 ([M+1]⁺); 392/394 ([M+23]⁺) 1.84 min.

a) Preparation of 7-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one-O-methyl-oxime

To a stirred solution of 7-chloro-1-tetralone CAS: 26673-32-5 (5.0 g; 27.68 mmol) in methanol (55 ml) was added pyridine (2.87 ml; 34.05 mmol) followed by a portion wise addition of methoxyamine hydrochloride (2.84 g; 34.05 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 16 h under nitrogen. Methanol was removed under reduced pressure, the residue poured in water (300 ml) and 1N hydrochloric acid was added (100 ml). The solution was extracted with dichloromethane (3×150 ml). Combined organic layers were washed with water (300 ml) and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 6.22 g (100% of theory) of crude 7-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one-O-methyl-oxime as a brown oil.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d):

ppm 1.78-1.83 (m, 2H), 2.65-2.72 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 7.03-7.06 (d, 1H), 7.17-7.20 (dd, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H).

MS (ZMD) 210/212 ([M+1]⁺) 1.89 min.

b) Preparation of N-(7-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine

To a stirred solution of crude 7-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one-O-methyl-oxime (5.9 g; 28.14 mmol) prepared as described in example P1a in acetic acid (100 ml) was added portion wise sodium cyanoborohydride 95% (3.54 g; 56.3 mmol) at 15° C. The mixture was stirred for 6 hours at 23° C. Most of acetic acid was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was poured in 2N NaOH (100 ml) and was extracted with ethylacetate (3×80 ml). Combined organics were dried over sodium sulfate and solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude (8.2 g) was subject to flash chromatography (eluant: c-hexane/ethyl acetate 90:10) to afford 2.70 g (45% of theory) of N-(7-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine as a yellow oil.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CHLOROFORM-d):

ppm 1.71-2.13 (m, 4H), 2.62-2.83 (m, 2H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 4.08-4.11 (t, 1H), 5.50 (s_(br), 1 NH), 7.01-7.03 (d, 1H), 7.38-7.39 (dd, 1H).

MS (ZMD) 212/214 ([M+1]⁺) 1.75 min.

Example P2 Preparation of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-methoxy-amide (Compound 1.065)

To a stirred solution of N-(6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine (0.100 g; 0.48 mmol), prepared as described in example P2b and triethylamine (0.073 ml; 0.53 mmol) in dichloromethane (1 ml) under nitrogen at 0° C. was added drop wise 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl chloride (0.093 g; 0.48 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 15 h under nitrogen. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford a sticky oil which was subject to flash chromatography (eluant: c-hexane/ethyl acetate 95:5 to 0:100) to afford 0.134 g (76% of theory) of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-methoxy-amide as an oil.

a) Preparation of 6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one-O-methyl-oxime

To a stirred suspension of 6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one CAS: 127053-30-9 (1.06 g; 5.95 mmol) in methanol (12 ml) was added pyridine (1.53 ml; 19.04 mmol) followed by a portionwise addition of methoxyamine hydrochloride (1.59 g; 19.04 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 h under nitrogen. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 1.28 g (100% of theory) of crude 6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one-O-methyl-oxime E/Z-mixture as a brown oil.

MS (ZMD) 208 ([M+1]⁺) 1.74 min. and 1.80 min.

b) Preparation of N-(6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine (Compound 4.065)

To a stirred solution of crude 6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one-O-methyl-oxime E/Z-mixture (1.23 g; 5.95 mmol) prepared as described in example P2a in acetic acid (12 ml) was added portion wise sodium cyanoborohydride 95% (0.75 g; 11.9 mmol) at 15° C. The mixture was stirred for 6 hours at 23° C. Most of acetic acid was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was poured in 2N NaOH (50 ml) and was extracted with ethylacetate (3×30 ml). Combined organics were dried over sodium sulfate and solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude (1.45 g) was subject to flash chromatography (eluant: c-hexane/ethyl acetate 100:0 to 0:100) to afford 0.645 g (52% of theory) of N-(6-fluoro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine as a yellow oil.

MS (ZMD) 210 ([M+1]⁺) 1.67 min. and 1.70 min. both diastereomeres.

Example P3 Preparation of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-methoxy-amide (Compound 1.062)

To a stirred solution of N-(3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine (77 mg; 0.24 mmol), prepared as described in example P3c and triethylamine (0.037 ml; 0.26 mmol) in dichloromethane (1.6 ml) under nitrogen at 4° C. was added dropwise 1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl chloride (47 mg; 0.24 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 24° C. for 3 h under nitrogen. The mixture diluted with dichloromethane (10 ml), washed with 1M sodium hydroxide (1 ml), 1M hydrochloric acid (1 ml) and brine (1 ml). Organics were dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude (190 mg) was subject to flash chromatography (eluant: c-hexane/ethyl acetate 90:10 to 50:50) to afford 0.101 g (88% of theory) of 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-methoxy-amide as a yellow solid oil.

MS (ZMD) 476 ([M+1]⁺) 1.93 min.

a) Preparation of 3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one

To a stirred solution of p-TsOH monohydrate (1.72 g; 9.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (12 ml) was added 3-aminobenzosuberone CAS: 95207-68-4 (0.526 g; 3.0 mmol). To the resulting pale brown solution a solution of sodium nitrite (414 mg; 6.0 mmol) and potassium iodide (1.25 g; 7.5 mmol) in water (1.8 ml) was added at 10-15° C. The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at 15° C. and an additional 1.5 hours at 20° C. The reaction mixture was poured onto water (50 ml), adjusted to pH 8-10 by the addition of 1M NaHCO₃ solution and decolorized by the addition of Na₂S₂O₃ solution. The aqueous was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×30 ml). Combined organics were dried over sodium sulfate and solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 850 mg (99% of theory) of pure 3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one as an oil.

MS (ZMD) 287 ([M+1]⁺) 1.85 min.

b) Preparation of 3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one-O-methyl-oxime

To a stirred suspension of 3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one prepared as described in example P3a (0.806 g; 2.82 mmol) in methanol (5.7 ml) was added pyridine (0.7 ml; 9.02 mmol) followed by a portion wise addition of methoxyamine hydrochloride (0.754 g; 9.02 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 20° C. for 16 h under nitrogen. The solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 0.86 g (97% of theory) of crude 3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one-O-methyl-oxime E/Z-mixture as a brown oil.

MS (ZMD) 316 ([M+1]⁺) 2.01 min. and 2.12 min.

c) Preparation of N-(3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine

To a stirred solution of crude 3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzocylohepten-5-one-O-methyl-oxime E/Z-mixture (793 mg; 5.95 mmol) prepared as described in example P3b in acetic acid (5 ml) was added portion wise sodium cyanoborohydride 95% (0.63 g; 10.1 mmol) at 15° C. The mixture was stirred for 9 hours at 23° C. Most of acetic acid was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was poured in 2N NaOH (50 ml) and was extracted with ethylacetate (3×30 ml). Combined organics were dried over sodium sulfate and solvent was removed in vacuo. The crude (840 mg) was subject to flash chromatography (eluant: c-hexane/ethyl acetate 100:0 to 10:90) to afford 88 mg (13% of theory) of N-(3-iodo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5-H-benzocyclohepten-5-yl)-O-methyl-hydroxylamine in form of an oil.

MS (ZMD) 318 ([M+1]⁺) 2.12 min.

Tables 1 to 3 and 5: Compounds of Formula Ia:

The invention was further illustrated by the preferred individual compounds of formula (Ia) listed below in Tables 1 to 3 and 5. Characterising data are given in Table 6.

In the compounds of formula Ia, A is selected from the groups consisting of A₁,

Each of Tables 1 to 5, which follow the Table Y below, comprises 79 compounds of the formula (Ia) and (II) respectively, in which R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, X and n have the values given in Table Y and A has the value given in the relevant Table 1 to 5.

In Tables 1 to 5 below “Me” signifies methyl, “c-Prop” signifies cyclopropyl and “t-Bu” signifies tertiary butyl.

TABLE Y Cpd No. R₄ R₅ R₆ R₇ R₈ R₉ R₁₀ n X Y.001 Me H H H H H H 1 CH₂ Y.002 Me H H Cl H H H 1 CH₂ Y.003 Me H H H Cl H H 1 CH₂ Y.004 Me H H H H Cl H 1 CH₂ Y.005 Me H H H H H Cl 1 CH₂ Y.006 Me F H H H H H 1 CH₂ Y.007 Me F H Cl H H H 1 CH₂ Y.008 Me F H H Cl H H 1 CH₂ Y.009 Me F H H H Cl H 1 CH₂ Y.010 Me F H H H H Cl 1 CH₂ Y.011 Me Me H H H H H 1 CH₂ Y.012 Me Me H Cl H H H 1 CH₂ Y.013 Me Me H H Cl H H 1 CH₂ Y.014 Me Me H H H Cl H 1 CH₂ Y.015 Me Me H H H H Cl 1 CH₂ Y.016 Me Me Me H H H H 1 CH₂ Y.017 Me H H OMe H H H 1 CH₂ Y.018 Me H H H OMe H H 1 CH₂ Y.019 Me H H H H OMe H 1 CH₂ Y.020 Me H H H H H OMe 1 CH₂ Y.021 Me H H F H H H 1 CH₂ Y.022 Me H H H F H H 1 CH₂ Y.023 Me H H H H F H 1 CH₂ Y.024 Me H H H H H F 1 CH₂ Y.025 Me H H Me H H H 1 CH₂ Y.026 Me H H H Me H H 1 CH₂ Y.027 Me H H H H Me H 1 CH₂ Y.028 Me H H H H H Me 1 CH₂ Y.029 Me H H Me Me H H 1 CH₂ Y.030 Me H H Me H Me H 1 CH₂ Y.031 Me H H Me H H Me 1 CH₂ Y.032 Me H H H Me Me H 1 CH₂ Y.033 Me H H H Me H Me 1 CH₂ Y.034 Me H H H H Me Me 1 CH₂ Y.035 Me H H Cl Cl H H 1 CH₂ Y.036 Me H H Cl H Cl H 1 CH₂ Y.037 Me H H Cl H H Cl 1 CH₂ Y.038 Me H H H Cl Cl H 1 CH₂ Y.039 Me H H H Cl H Cl 1 CH₂ Y.040 Me H H H H Cl Cl 1 CH₂ Y.041 Me H H H H H H 1 O Y.042 Me H H Cl H H H 1 O Y.043 Me H H H Cl H H 1 O Y.044 Me H H H H Cl H 1 O Y.045 Me H H H H H Cl 1 O Y.046 Me H H F H H H 1 O Y.047 Me H H H F H H 1 O Y.048 Me H H H H F H 1 O Y.049 Me H H H H H F 1 O Y.050 Me H H H H H H 1 S Y.051 Me H H Cl H H H 1 S Y.052 Me H H H Cl H H 1 S Y.053 Me H H H H Cl H 1 S Y.054 Me H H H H H Cl 1 S Y.055 Me H H H H H H 2 CH₂ Y.056 Me H H Cl H H H 2 CH₂ Y.057 Me H H H Cl H H 2 CH₂ Y.058 Me H H H H Cl H 2 CH₂ Y.059 Me H H H H H Cl 2 CH₂ Y.060 Me H H H H H H 2 CH₂ Y.061 Me H H I H H H 2 CH₂ Y.062 Me H H H I H H 2 CH₂ Y.063 Me H H H H I H 2 CH₂ Y.064 Me H H H H H I 2 CH₂ Y.065 Me F H H H H H 2 CH₂ Y.066 Me F H Cl H H H 2 CH₂ Y.067 Me F H H Cl H H 2 CH₂ Y.068 Me F H H H Cl H 2 CH₂ Y.069 Me F H H H H Cl 2 CH₂ Y.070 Me H H H NH₂ H H 2 CH₂ Y.071 Me H H H NHC(O)Ot-Bu H H 2 CH₂ Y.072 Me H H H NHC(O)Me H H 2 CH₂ Y.073 Me H H H NHC(O)c-Prop H H 2 CH₂ Y.074 Me Me H Cl Cl H H 2 CH₂ Y.075 Me Me H Cl H Cl H 2 CH₂ Y.076 Me Me H Cl H H Cl 2 CH₂ Y.077 Me Me H H Cl Cl H 2 CH₂ Y.078 Me Me H H Cl H Cl 2 CH₂ Y.079 Me Me H H H Cl Cl 2 CH₂

Table 1 provides 79 compounds of formula (Ia), wherein A is A₁

and R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, X and n are as defined in Table Y.

For example, compound 1.001 has the following structure:

Table 2 provides 79 compounds of formula (Ia), wherein A is A₂

and R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, X and n are as defined in Table Y.

For example, compound 2.067 has the following structure:

Table 3 provides 79 compounds of formula (Ia), wherein A is A₃

and R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, X and n are as defined in Table Y.

For example, compound 3.071 has the following structure:

Table 4:

Table 4 provides 79 compounds of formula (II)

wherein R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, X and n are as defined in Table Y.

For example, compound 4.065 has the following structure:

Table 5:

Table 5 provides 79 compounds of formula (Ia), wherein A is A₄

and R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, X and n are as defined in Table Y. Table 6: Characterizing Data:

Table 6 shows selected melting point and selected NMR data for compounds of Table 1 to 3. CDCl₃ is used as the solvent for NMR measurements, unless otherwise stated. If a mixture of solvents is present, this is indicated as, for example: CDCl₃/d₆-DMSO). No attempt is made to list all characterising data in all cases.

In Table 6 and throughout the description that follows, temperatures are given in degrees Celsius; “NMR” means nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum; MS signifies mass spectrum; “%” is percent by weight, unless corresponding concentrations are indicated in other units. The following abbreviations are used throughout this description:

m.p. = melting point b.p. = boiling point. S = singlet br = broad d = doublet dd = doublet of doublets t = triplet q = quartet m = multiplet ppm = parts per million Method for GC-MS Volatile CI/EI

Mass spectra were obtained with GC-MS was conducted on a Thermo, MS: DSQ and GC: TRACE GC ULTRA with a column from Zebron phenomenex: Phase ZB-5 ms 15 m, diam: 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm, H₂ flow 1.7 mL/min, temp injector: 250° C., temp detector: 220° C., method: hold 2 min at 40° C., 25° C./min until 320° C., hold 1 min 12 s at 320° C., total time 15 min. All other reagents and solvents, unless otherwise noted, were purchased from commercial vendors and used without further purification.

Method for LC-MS

Method C

MS ZQ Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: positive ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 30.00, extractor (V) 3.00, source temperature (° C.) 100, desolvation temperature (° C.) 200, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 200, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 250, mass range: 150 to 800 Da. LC 1100er Series HPLC from Agilent: quaternary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Waters Atlantis dc18; length: 20 mm; internal diameter: 3 mm; particle size: 3 μm, temperature (° C.) 40, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.1% of formic acid in water and B: 0.1% of formic acid in acetonitrile. Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 90  10 1.7 5.5  0.0 100 1.7 5.8  0.0 100 1.7 5.9 90  10 1.7

TABLE 6 Cpd 1H-NMR data: ppm MS [M + H]⁺ m.p. No. (multiplicity/number of Hs) ZMD (° C.) LCMS data 1.001 336 ([M + 1]⁺) 1.81 min. 91-95 1.003 1.78-1.86 (m, 1 H), 2.05-2.15 (m, 2 370/372 ([M + 1]⁺); H), 2.17-2.23 (m, 1 H), 2.71-2.77 (m, 392/394 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.84 min. 1H), 2.81-2.89 (m, 1H), 3.47 (s, 3 H), 4.00 (s, 3 H), 5.76-5.79 (m, 1 H), 7.05-7.07 (d, 1 H), 7.13-7.17 (dd, 1H), 7.26 (t, J = 55.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.29-7.30 (dd, 1 H), 7.91 (s, 1 H) 1.011 3.06 (350.14) 1.016 368 ([M + 23]⁺) 114-118 1.92 min. 1.018 388 ([M + 23]⁺) liquid 1.76 min. 1.019 388 ([M + 23]⁺) liquid 1.74 min. 1.020 2.96 (366.10) 1.033 3.32 (364.15) 1.041 2.37 (338.13) 1.043 2.88 (372.02) 1.045 2.81 (372.02) 1.047 2.62 (356.06) 1.050 2.68 (354.04) 1.055 1.43-2.29 (m, 6 H), 2.75-2.85 (m, 1 350 ([M + 1]⁺) 1.84 min. 123-127 H), 2.91-3.01 (m, 1 H), 3.63 (s, 3 H), 3.98 (s, 3 H), 5.68-5.71 (m, 1 H), 7.09-7.18 (m, 3 H), 7.20-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.28 (t, J = 55.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.29-7.30 (dd, 1 H), 7.98 (s, 1 H) 1.057 384/386 ([M + 1]⁺); 51-55 406/408 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.91 min. 1.058 384/386 ([M + 1]⁺); 127-131 1.96 min. 1.059 384/386 ([M + 1]⁺); 125-127 406/408 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.92 min. 1.062 476 ([M + 1]⁺) 1.93 min. oil 1.065 368 ([M + 1]⁺); liquid 381 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.79 min. 1.067 402 ([M + 1]⁺); liquid 424 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.90 min. 1.070 365 ([M + 1]⁺); 119-123 387 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.31 min. 1.071 465 ([M + 1]⁺); 190-193 487 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.96 min. 1.072 407 ([M + 1]⁺); 218-222 429 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.62 min. 1.073 433 ([M + 1]⁺); 189-191 455 ([M + 23]⁺) 1.62 min.

Formulation Examples for Compounds of Formula I Example F-1.1 to F-1.2 Emulsifiable Concentrates

Components F-1.1 F-1.2 compound of Tables 1-3, 5 25% 50% calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate  5%  6% castor oil polyethylene glycol ether  5% — (36 mol ethylenoxy units) tributylphenolpolyethylene glycol ether —  4% (30 mol ethylenoxy units) cyclohexanone — 20% xylene mixture 65% 20%

Emulsions of any desired concentration can be prepared by diluting such concentrates with water.

Example F-2 Emulsifiable Concentrate

Components F-2 compound of Tables 1-3, 5 10% octylphenolpolyethylene glycol ether 3% (4 to 5 mol ethylenoxy units) calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate 3% castor oil polyglycol ether 4% (36 mol ethylenoxy units) cyclohexanone 30% xylene mixture 50%

Emulsions of any desired concentration can be prepared by diluting such concentrates with water.

Examples F-3.1 to F-3.4 Solutions

Components F-3.1 F-3.2 F-3.3 F-3.4 compound of Tables 1-3, 5 80% 10% 5% 95% propylene glycol monomethyl ether 20% — — — polyethylene glycol (relative molecular — 70% — — mass: 400 atomic mass units) N-methylpyrrolid-2-one — 20% — — epoxidised coconut oil — — 1%  5% benzin (boiling range: 160-190°) — — 94%  —

The solutions are suitable for use in the form of microdrops.

Examples F-4.1 to F-4.4 Granulates

Components F-4.1 F-4.2 F-4.3 F-4.4 compound of Tables 1-3, 5 5% 10%  8% 21% kaolin 94%  — 79% 54% highly dispersed silicic acid 1% — 13% 7% attapulgite — 90% — 18%

The novel compound is dissolved in dichloromethane, the solution is sprayed onto the carrier and the solvent is then removed by distillation under vacuum.

Examples F-5.1 and F-5.2 Dusts

Components F-5.1 F-5.2 compound of Tables 1-3, 5 2% 5% highly dispersed silicic acid 1% 5% talcum 97%  — kaolin — 90% 

Ready for use dusts are obtained by intimately mixing all components.

Examples F-6.1 to F-6.3 Wettable Powders

Components F-6.1 F-6.2 F-6.3 compound of Tables 1-3, 5 25%  50% 75% sodium lignin sulfonate 5%  5% — sodium lauryl sulfate 3% —  5% sodium diisobutylnaphthalene —  6% 10% sulfonate octylphenolpolyethylene glycol ether —  2% — (7 to 8 mol ethylenoxy units) highly dispersed silicic acid 5% 10% 10% kaolin 62%  27% —

All components are mixed and the mixture is thoroughly ground in a suitable mill to give wettable powders which can be diluted with water to suspensions of any desired concentration.

Example F7 Flowable Concentrate for Seed Treatment

compound of Tables 1-3, 5 40%  propylene glycol 5% copolymer butanol PO/EO 2% tristyrenephenole with 10-20 moles EO 2% 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (in the form of a 0.5%   20% solution in water) monoazo-pigment calcium salt 5% Silicone oil (in the form of a 75% emulsion 0.2%   in water) Water 45.3%  

The finely ground active ingredient is intimately mixed with the adjuvants, giving a suspension concentrate from which suspensions of any desired dilution can be obtained by dilution with water. Using such dilutions, living plants as well as plant propagation material can be treated and protected against infestation by microorganisms, by spraying, pouring or immersion.

Biological Examples Fungicidal Action Example B-1 Action Against Botrytis cinerea—Fungal Growth Assay

Conidia of the fungus from cryogenic storage was directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compounds (0.002% active ingredient) into a microtiter plate (96-well format) the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores was added. The test plates were incubated at 24° C. and the inhibition of growth was measured photometrically after 3-4 days. The activity of a compound was expressed as fungal growth inhibition (0=no growth inhibition, ratings of 80% to 99% mean good to very good inhibition, 100%=complete inhibition).

Compounds 1.001, 1.020, 1.030, 1.033, 1.055, 1.057, 1.059 and 1.065 show very good activity in this test (≧80% inhibition).

Example B-2 Action Against Mycosphaerella arachidis (Early Leaf Spot of Groundnut; Cercospora arachidicola [anamorph])—Fungal Growth Assay

Conidia of the fungus from cryogenic storage were directly mixed into nutrient broth (Pdb potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compounds (0.002% active ingredient) into a microtiter plate (96-well format) the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores was added. The test plates were incubated at 24° C. and the inhibition of growth was measured photometrically after 6-7 days. The activity of a compound was expressed as fungal growth inhibition (0=no growth inhibition, ratings of 80% to 99% mean good to very good inhibition, 100%=complete inhibition).

Compounds 1.001, 1.003, 1.011, 1.016, 1.018, 1.019, 1.020, 1.030, 1.033, 1.041, 1.043, 1.045, 1.047, 1.050, 1.055, 1.057, 1.058, 1.059, 1.062, 1.065, 1.067, 1.071 and 1.072 show very good activity in this test (≧80% inhibition).

Example B-3 Action Against Septoria tritici—Fungal Growth Assay

Conidia of the fungus from cryogenic storage were directly mixed into nutrient broth (PDB potato dextrose broth). After placing a (DMSO) solution of the test compounds (0.002% active ingredient) into a microtiter plate (96-well format) the nutrient broth containing the fungal spores was added. The test plates were incubated at 24° C. and the inhibition of growth was determined photometrically after 72 hrs. The activity of a compound was expressed as fungal growth inhibition (0=no growth inhibition, ratings of 80% to 99% mean good to very good inhibition, 100%=complete inhibition).

Compounds 1.001, 1.003, 1.011, 1.016, 1.018, 1.019, 1.020, 1.030, 1.033, 1.041, 1.043, 1.045, 1.047, 1.050, 1.055, 1.057, 1.058, 1.059, 1.062, 1.065, 1.067, 1.071 and 1.072 show very good activity in this test (≧80% inhibition).

Example B-4 Action Against Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici (Wheat Powdery Mildew)

Wheat leaf segments were placed on agar in multiwell plates (24-well format) and sprayed with test solutions (0.02% active ingredient). After drying, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed 7 days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Compounds 1.001, 1.003, 1.011, 1.018, 1.019, 1.030, 1.033, 1.041, 1.043, 1.045, 1.047, 1.055, 1.057, 1.058, 1.059, 1.065, and 1.067 show very good activity in this test (≧80% inhibition).

Example B-5 Protective Action Against Puccinia recondita (Brown Rust) on Wheat

Wheat leaf segments were placed on agar in multiwell plates (24-well format) and sprayed with test solutions (0.02% active ingredient). After drying, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed 8 days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Compounds 1.001, 1.003, 1.011, 1.018, 1.019, 1.020, 1.030, 1.033, 1.043, 1.050, 1.055, 1.057, 1.058, 1.059, 1.062, 1.065, 1.067, 1.070 and 1.071 show very good activity in this test (≧80% inhibition).

Example B-6 Curative Action Against Puccinia recondita (Brown Rust) on Wheat

Wheat leaf segments were placed on agar in multiwell plates (24-well format) and inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. One day after inoculation the leaf segments were sprayed with test solutions (0.02% active ingredient). After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed 8 days after inoculation as curative fungicidal activity.

Compounds 1.001, 1.003, 1.011, 1.018, 1.019, 1.030, 1.041, 1.043, 1.047, 1.055, 1.057, 1.058, 1.059, 1.062, 1.065, 1.067 and 1.071 show very good activity in this test (≧80% inhibition).

Example B-7 Action Against Pyrenophora teres (Net Blotch) on Barley

Barley leaf segments were placed on agar in multiwell plates (24-well format) and sprayed with test solutions (0.02% active ingredient). After drying, the leaf disks were inoculated with a spore suspension of the fungus. After appropriate incubation the activity of a compound was assessed 4 days after inoculation as preventive fungicidal activity.

Compounds 1.001, 1.003, 1.011, 1.018, 1.019, 1.020, 1.030, 1.041, 1.045, 1.055, 1.057, 1.058, 1.059, 1.065, 1.067 and 1.072 show very good activity in this test (≧80% inhibition). 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula I

wherein R₁ is C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄haloalkyl or C₁-C₄alkoxy; R₂ is C₁-C₄alkyl; R₃ is hydrogen or halogen; R₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄alkyl or C₁-C₄halogenalkyl; R₅ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁-C₄alkyl; R₆ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl; R₇ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₃-C₆alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl-C₃-C₆alkynyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkoxy, C₂-C₆haloalkenyl, or C₂-C₆haloalkenyloxy; R₈ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₃-C₆alkynyl, amino, C₁-C₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆alkoxycarbonylamino or C₃-C₆cycloalkylcarbonylamino; R₉ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₆alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl, C₃-C₆alkynyl, C₃-C₆cycloalkyl-C₃-C₆alkynyl, halophenoxy, halophenyl, C₁-C₆haloalkyl, C₁-C₆haloalkoxy, C₂-C₆haloalkenyl, or C₂-C₆haloalkenyloxy; R₁₀ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl; X is CH₂, O or S; n is 0, 1 or 2; and agronomically acceptable salts/stereoisomers/diastereoisomers/enantiomers/tautomers or N-oxides thereof.
 2. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl; R₂ is methyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is methyl; R₆ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl; R₇, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ are, independently from each other, hydrogen or halogen, preferably hydrogen or chloro.
 3. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R₆ is hydrogen.
 4. A compound of formula I according to claim 2, wherein R₆ is hydrogen.
 5. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl or methyl, R₂ is methyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is methyl; R₅ is hydrogen, fluoro or methyl; preferably hydrogen or fluoro; R₆ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₂-C₆alkenyl or C₃-C₆alkynyl; n is 2; X is CH₂; and R₇, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ are, independently from each other, hydrogen or halogen.
 6. A compound of formula I according to claim 5, wherein R₆ is hydrogen.
 7. A compound of formula I according to claim 1, wherein R₁ is C₁-C₄haloalkyl; R₂ is C₁-C₄alkyl; R₃ is hydrogen; R₄ is C₁-C₄alkyl; R₅ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl; R₆ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄alkyl; R₇ is hydrogen; R₈ is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₆alkoxy, amino, C₁-C₆alkylcarbonylamino, C₁-C₆alkoxycarbonylamino or C₃-C₆cycloalkylcarbonylamino; R₉ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁-C₆alkoxy; R₁₀ is hydrogen, halogen or C₁-C₆alkoxy; X is CH₂, O or S; and n is 1 or
 2. 8. A method of controlling infestation of useful plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, wherein a compound of formula I according to claim 1 or a composition, comprising this compound as active ingredient, is applied to the plants, to parts thereof or the locus thereof.
 9. A composition for controlling and protecting against phytopathogenic microorganisms, comprising a compound of formula I according to claim 1 and at least one auxiliary. 